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Lare Ayoola has been elected as the new President of the Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN), marking a significant transition for the umbrella organization representing over 350 IT-driven companies in Nigeria. Established in 1991, ITAN has been instrumental in promoting the interests of its members in IT trade and shaping public policy in the sector but it has been dormant for a period.
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Ayoola, who serves as the Executive Chairman/CEO of Tranter IT and also holds the position of Chairman at IOT Africa Networks, brings with him a wealth of experience garnered over four decades of successfully managing technology-driven enterprises within Nigeria and beyond.
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Renowned as one of Nigeria’s Top 50 Digital Economy leaders, Ayoola has exhibited exceptional leadership across various industry verticals. His contributions have been pivotal to the growth and sustenance of several companies under his group, including Tranter IT Infrastructure Services Limited, Swift Talk Limited, Tranter International Limited, La Mango Entertainment Limited, and IoT Africa Networks Limited.
Other elected officials are Dr Oluremi Olutimo, National General Secretary; Mr Emmanuel Udotong ( Vice President South West/ Lagos); Dr Oluremi Olutimo ( National General Secretary); Mrs Olusola Agbelusi ( National Financial Secretary); Mrs Oluyemisi Odusanya ( National Treasurer) and Gabriel Osabuohien ( National Asst General Secretary),
Expressing his vision for the future of ITAN, Ayoola outlined strategic initiatives aimed at revitalizing the organization and advancing Nigeria’s IT sector. Central to his agenda is a focus on manpower development, with plans to introduce a new ITAN Certification Program designed to enhance the skills and competence of members and their staff. Ayoola emphasized the importance of facilitating industry certification courses in collaboration with OEMs, agencies, and NGOs to ensure accessibility and affordability for all members.
Additionally, ITAN will prioritize “certification ease and affordability,” aiming to streamline the process and lower costs associated with obtaining international OEM and industry certifications for its members’ staff. This initiative involves facilitating payments in Naira instead of US dollars, which is currently the standard practice. By implementing these changes, ITAN seeks to make professional growth more accessible and inclusive for all members.
Furthermore, Ayoola underscored the significance of networking and collaboration opportunities within the IT industry. ITAN will host regular networking events to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and exploration of new business avenues among members, stakeholders, and potential customers.
In addition to enhancing its online presence with a comprehensive website, ITAN under Ayoola’s leadership aims to establish itself as a formidable entity in the IT ecosystem through collaboration with other industry associations. The organization will also introduce initiatives such as Cross-Marketing to promote its members’ interests and exchange programs to facilitate innovation and collaboration.
A key highlight of Ayoola’s agenda is the introduction of the Annual ITAN Awards to recognize outstanding achievements in the IT industry. Furthermore, ITAN will focus on gaining positive media exposure and expanding its market reach to foster new partnerships both locally and internationally.
In summary, Ayoola’s presidency heralds a new era for ITAN, characterized by innovation, collaboration, and growth, as the organization endeavors to propel Nigeria’s tech landscape to new heights.
